Random Friday
On Wednesday, Caleb's class went on a field trip. I was one of the chaperone's. Does this tell you where we went? 
Yes, we went to the National Zoo. Caleb and I had never been and the weather couldn't have been better for the trip! We actually got to see this panda climb the tree - it was completely silent as it climbed, which is amazing when you consider the size of this bear. They are just as beautiful and elegant in real life as they are in the pictures and while the wild pandas are not doing very well, the fact that zoos around the world are trying to preserve these guys is really cool. None of the pandas at the National Zoo belong to the US - we've borrowed them from China (actually, I think they're rentals).
I won't show you all the pictures I got, but this really cracked me up. The cheetahs have front row seats to the zebras. The zebras were wrestling with each other and this cheetah and two others you can't see in this picture were VERY interested. Don't worry, the top of the fence separating the two is electric so the zebras are quite safe. At one point one of the cheetahs put it's paw against the bottom part of the fence and the zebras backed off very quickly. The zebra/cheetah show was a big hit with the first graders!
Finally, I told you I'd share what I'd started knitting from the Sheldridge Farms Soft Touch Wool/Cotton:
This is the back of the Minimalist Cardigan from IK Fall 2007. I have to say, this issue of IK is definitely one of their best. I'm really liking the magazine since Eunny took over, but the Fall 2007 issue is jam packed with things I'd like to knit. I've only made a few tweaks to the pattern as written - I've fixed it so the ribbing and moss stitch will work properly all around the sweater and I've added neck shaping to the back neck. If you knit a sweater with the back neck straight across from shoulder to shoulder, the sweater will drop down in back and you will spend all day adjusting the sweater forward. By adding a bit of back neck shaping, the sweater will fit against your neck and shoulders properly, even with the collar added later.
Yes, we went to the National Zoo. Caleb and I had never been and the weather couldn't have been better for the trip! We actually got to see this panda climb the tree - it was completely silent as it climbed, which is amazing when you consider the size of this bear. They are just as beautiful and elegant in real life as they are in the pictures and while the wild pandas are not doing very well, the fact that zoos around the world are trying to preserve these guys is really cool. None of the pandas at the National Zoo belong to the US - we've borrowed them from China (actually, I think they're rentals).
I won't show you all the pictures I got, but this really cracked me up. The cheetahs have front row seats to the zebras. The zebras were wrestling with each other and this cheetah and two others you can't see in this picture were VERY interested. Don't worry, the top of the fence separating the two is electric so the zebras are quite safe. At one point one of the cheetahs put it's paw against the bottom part of the fence and the zebras backed off very quickly. The zebra/cheetah show was a big hit with the first graders!Finally, I told you I'd share what I'd started knitting from the Sheldridge Farms Soft Touch Wool/Cotton:
This is the back of the Minimalist Cardigan from IK Fall 2007. I have to say, this issue of IK is definitely one of their best. I'm really liking the magazine since Eunny took over, but the Fall 2007 issue is jam packed with things I'd like to knit. I've only made a few tweaks to the pattern as written - I've fixed it so the ribbing and moss stitch will work properly all around the sweater and I've added neck shaping to the back neck. If you knit a sweater with the back neck straight across from shoulder to shoulder, the sweater will drop down in back and you will spend all day adjusting the sweater forward. By adding a bit of back neck shaping, the sweater will fit against your neck and shoulders properly, even with the collar added later.
Labels: Cardigans
posted by Melanie at 7:17 AM
7 Comments:
If you like pandas, definately check out the flickr group Pandas Unlimited. Pictures with everything panda you could ever want are there. I love the National Zoo - My boyfriend's parents are volunteers at the National Zoo so I get all the inside info!!
How does one accomplish this "Back neck shaping?"
I had the same question as Kristine. Do you know of a good tutorial for the neck shaping kind of thing? It seems like many sweater patterns don't include this.
I wish Eunny would include an article about this subject in an IK issue.
I agree that the Fall 2007 IK was a great issue. Each time I go back to it I find another pattern I would like to knit that previously hadn't grabbed my attention.
Me three for the back neck shaping. My Minimalist Cardi has been sitting in my basket for months, just waiting to be seamed up. Now I know why! With your help, I'll be able to fix the back so it won't drive me crazy every time I wear it. Puhleeez?
Love the color of your Cardi & the yarn looks so soft. This pattern is on my list too & thanks for the tips on the back shaping.
I love your minimalist cardi. Please tell me where I can get the pattern. I love the colour and the wool, as you can see I am only new to this site. Looking forward to knitting again, hope you can help me get started!!
Marylin
marylin@unite.com.au
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